Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, will continue preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with two international friendly matches against Senegal during the upcoming FIFA women’s international window.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the double-header fixtures are scheduled to take place on June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as the Super Falcons intensify efforts to build momentum ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco.
The matches are expected to provide head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew an important opportunity to evaluate the team’s readiness, tactical structure, and overall squad depth before one of the biggest competitions in African women’s football.
The upcoming encounters against Senegal come at a critical stage for the Super Falcons, who remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and continue to carry enormous expectations heading into every major tournament.
Nigeria has dominated women’s football on the continent for decades, winning multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles and consistently representing Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the continent has increased the need for stronger preparation and more high quality international fixtures.
The games against Senegal are therefore viewed as a significant part of the team’s preparation plans, particularly after concerns surrounding the cancellation of an earlier proposed training tour in the United Kingdom.
Reports had indicated that the Super Falcons were expected to travel abroad for additional preparation matches, including a potential friendly against Jamaica, but scheduling conflicts linked to FIFA’s international calendar reportedly disrupted the arrangement.
As a result, the Nigeria Football Federation moved quickly to secure alternative fixtures that would keep the team active and ensure players maintain competitive rhythm ahead of WAFCON.
The friendly matches against Senegal are expected to attract strong attention from football supporters across the country, especially as fans remain eager to see the progress of the squad under the current coaching setup.
Senegal’s women’s national team has continued to improve significantly in recent years, emerging as one of the steadily rising sides in African women’s football. Their physical style, disciplined defending, and aggressive transition play are expected to provide Nigeria with a competitive test during both matches.
Football analysts believe the fixtures will help the Super Falcons improve tactical coordination and allow the coaching staff to identify areas that still require adjustment before the continental championship begins.
Coach Justine Madugu is expected to use the matches to assess several players currently competing for regular places in the squad. Competition for selection has intensified in recent months, with experienced internationals and younger talents battling for opportunities ahead of the tournament.
Several established stars are expected to feature prominently during the friendlies, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and forward Rinsola Babajide, all of whom continue to play important roles for club and country.
The technical crew is also expected to monitor player fitness carefully, particularly those arriving from European clubs following demanding domestic campaigns.
Nigeria’s recent performances in preparatory matches have produced mixed reactions among supporters and football observers. Earlier this year, the Super Falcons faced Cameroon in another series of international friendlies that exposed both strengths and weaknesses within the squad.
Nigeria suffered a narrow defeat in the opening encounter before responding strongly with an impressive victory in the second game. The performances highlighted the attacking quality available within the team but also revealed concerns regarding defensive organisation and consistency during key moments.
The coaching staff is expected to focus heavily on improving midfield transitions, defensive coordination, and attacking efficiency during the upcoming Senegal fixtures.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains one of the most important competitions in African football, not only because of continental prestige but also because of its significance in qualification pathways for future global tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s ambition will once again be to maintain its dominance on the continent and reclaim full control of African women’s football amid increasing competition from countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Cameroon.
The federation has continued efforts to improve preparations and provide the technical crew with better support structures following criticism in previous years over inadequate planning and limited international exposure before major tournaments.
Supporters are also expected to closely monitor the performances of younger players who may be pushing for inclusion in the final tournament squad. The friendlies against Senegal could provide an opportunity for emerging talents to impress and strengthen their chances of securing places ahead of the competition.
The atmosphere at the Remo Stars Stadium is expected to be vibrant, with local fans eager to watch the Super Falcons return to action on home soil as excitement gradually builds toward WAFCON 2026.
With preparations now entering a crucial stage, the coaching crew will be focused on building chemistry, tactical balance, and consistency across all departments as Nigeria seeks another successful continental campaign.
